Garage Schemes join 'Approved Code'

Four of the main workshop schemes have joined or applied to join the new Trading Standards Institute (TSI) Approved Code.

The new code takes over from the 'OFT Approved' quality mark due to a merger between OFT and Trading Standards. Garage schemes that are backed by it have to prove that they 'robustly demonstrate a potential reduction in consumer detriment' as approval is intended to be a rigorous and intensive process.

Former OFT Approved members Bosch Car Service and Motor Codes have both moved over to join the new TSI Approved Code while the IGAs 'Trust My Garage' scheme has applied to join. Group Auto's new 'Approved Garages' proposition is also a member. Meanwhile, Forte Lubricants' Good Garage Scheme 'hasn't ruled out joining.

TSI Chief Executive Leon Livermore said: "The Government recognises the importance of this new scheme, which comes with an important sting in the tail. We will be reinforcing the fact that failure for any trader to comply with an industry code, whose logo they display, is a criminal offence for which they could face fines or imprisonment."

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Under the scheme, which replaces the Office of Fair Trading scheme, businesses will also be required to offer enhanced consumer protection, including offering ombudsman or arbitration to resolve disputes, protecting customer deposits and respecting consumers in their own home.